Mr. Orpen’s, and to me, at all events, it was previously quite unknown, although I had hoped that such paintings might be found. This fact can hardly be valued sufficiently. It gives at once to Bushman art a higher character, and teaches us to look upon its products not as the mere daubing of figures for idle pastime, but as an attempt, however imperfect, at a truly artistic conception of the ideas which most deeply moved the Bushman mind, and filled it with religious feelings. A collection of faithful copies of Bushman paintings is, therefore, only second in importance to a collection of their folk-lore in their own language. Both such collections will serve to illustrate each other, and to contribute jointly towards showing us in its true light the curious mental development of a most remarkable race. A Bushman painting will frequently help us to unearth a myth, legend, or fable, which otherwise would have been forgotten, and might have remained unrecorded, although of importance perhaps for the explanation of the nature and origin of Bushman mythology.
At the end of these remarks, hastily drawn up (as the paper was only submitted to me when already going through the press), I wish to express the earnest hope that Mr. Orpen will continue to take the active interest in these researches which has already given us this valuable paper,—and that many others may be found to tread in his footsteps; and especially that those who have it easily within their reach to copy Bushman paintings, will furnish us with faithful copies. Where photography is available, its help would be very desirable, as the general public is sceptical, and not unfrequently believes that the drawings are too good not to have been vastly improved in copying, thereby doing scant justice to Bushman art. It would also be desirable to have, besides an indication and description of the locality, a statement of the actual size of the figures, etc. That the copies should give the true colour of the originals (as essential to their value) is of course understood.
Notes on Welsh Folklore.
Omens.—If a woman making tea forgets to replace the cover of the teapot, it means that a stranger will visit the house. It is held very unlucky for a cow to bear twin calves; a farmer’s wife in Cardiganshire told me that she was trying to get rid of one of her cows which had twin calves.
When you see the first lamb of the season, if its head be towards you, the coming year will be lucky to you. If the first
